Legal status for operators

THE LTA may consider providing licences to some illegal public service vehicle operators on Taveuni as a result of the high demand for public transportation.

Authority spokesman Iliesa Sokia said the exercise may be carried out in the near future to supplement the demand on PSV services.

"We are aware that Taveuni is one of the most thriving economic or growth spots in the Northern Division and it's an island-based growth centre where a lot of economic development has been mushrooming, and the impact will affect transportation," he said.

"We surely believe that current demand is not sufficient in terms of legal operators or the number of permits given to the island, so we need to analyse thoroughly the current trends and probably review the quota that is usually given in terms of permits.

"We have received valid concerns from both the legal operators and the illegal ones based on the demand from members of the public."

Mr Sokia said a team from their head office in Suva would be on Taveuni in a few weeks to meet stakeholders.

"An opportunity will also be given to the illegal operators to raise their concerns and these are some of the issues that the team will be discussing once they arrive on the island," he said.

Mr Sokia's statement follows concerns by the Taveuni Public Service Vehicle Association regarding the increasing number of illegal PSV operators on the island.

Association secretary Rafiq Khan said they've written to the authorities on the increase in illegal operators.